Sdr16c5 and Sdr16c6 Control a Dormant Pathway at a Bifurcation Point Between Meibogenesis and Sebogenesis
TLDR Sdr16c5 and Sdr16c6 genes regulate a key point in lipid production that affects eye and skin gland function.
The study investigates the roles of Sdr16c5 and Sdr16c6 genes in lipid metabolism within Meibomian and sebaceous glands by analyzing lipid profiles in double knockout (DKO) mice. The inactivation of these genes led to increased lipid production and altered lipid composition in Meibomian glands, with a significant accumulation of shorter chain, sebaceous-type cholesteryl esters and wax esters, and an increase in monounsaturated and diunsaturated Meibomian-type wax esters. Despite these changes, the glands maintained normal levels of extremely long chain Meibomian-type lipids. The findings suggest that Sdr16c5 and Sdr16c6 control a bifurcation point in lipid biosynthesis, directing it towards either abnormal sebaceous-type or normal Meibomian-type lipid profiles, highlighting their critical role in lipid metabolism.
